Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: In a dramatic turn of events, Opposition MLAs from the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance boycotted the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly’s oath-taking ceremony, accusing the ruling Mahayuti coalition of manipulating Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to secure victory. However, defying the boycott call, Samajwadi Party leaders Abu Asim Azmi and Rais Shaikh participated in the proceedings.
The boycott coincided with the special three-day session of the newly constituted 288-member assembly, overseen by pro-tem Speaker Kalidas Kolambkar, a senior BJP MLA. The session includes key events such as the election of the Speaker, a trust vote, and the Governor’s address.
Opposition Alleges EVM Tampering
MVA leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, Nana Patole, and Jitendra Awhad, gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue to protest.
“Democracy is being murdered through the use of EVMs. This is not the people’s mandate but that of EVMs and the Election Commission,” said Thackeray.
Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar echoed these sentiments, alleging that the electoral process was flawed, raising doubts among the public. The Opposition renewed its demand for elections to be conducted using ballot papers instead of EVMs.
Ajit Pawar Responds
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar dismissed the allegations, urging the Opposition to present evidence to the Election Commission or approach the courts.
“There is no point in making such allegations here. The Opposition should go to the Election Commission, and if unsatisfied, take the matter to court,” he said.
Mahayuti Secures Majority
The Mahayuti coalition, consisting of the BJP, Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena faction, and Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction, secured a decisive victory, winning 230 of 288 seats in the November 20 elections. Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as Chief Minister, with Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Thackeray Criticizes Delay in Government Formation
Thackeray criticized the BJP-led coalition for delaying the announcement of its Chief Ministerial candidate, calling it an “insult to Maharashtra.” He claimed the delay undermined democratic principles and accused the BJP of anarchy for announcing the swearing-in date before staking a formal claim to form the government.
The controversy overshadowed the grand swearing-in ceremony at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, NDA state leaders, and prominent Bollywood, cricket, and business personalities.
